Happy St. Patrick’s Day, 68 great teams were lucky enough to see their names appear on this year’s bracket and dance their way into March. Now what makes these teams great? Is it their chemistry? Do they have great communication? Are they adaptable? Or did they simply get “hot” at the right time?
Are these great teams made up of team players that have grit, determination and a huge heart to win? How do you build a great team made up of great team players? Simple, it can start now by looking inside yourself asking the question, “Are you a great team player?”
I came across an article by William Frierson that touched on 10 qualities of an excellent team player. He touched on the following:
- Show Genuine Commitment: A good team player might participate during office hours but a great team player will make the participation worth their time. This individual will give his/her best work for excellence.
- Easily and Quickly Adaptable: Instead of sitting at the bench watching the rest of your team perform, an outstanding team player wants to see the magic happen through their efforts as well. They are flexible to the situations thrown their way.
- Confident Communication: While a good team player would get his/her work done silently without trying to involve others, an excellence team player will be confident and express their ideas clearly and honestly without staying in the shadows.
- Reliable and Responsible: This individual has positive relationships with his/her team members displaying high levels of reliability and responsibility. The team knows he/she will do what they say they are going to do and not have to think twice about it.
- Actively Listen: A team player is only excellent at his/her role if he/she considers and respects the viewpoints and ideas of other people. This individual understands and tries to include his/her team members by listening to their opinion and taking it into account; after all they are part of the team as well.
- Share Opinions: Likewise, he/she shares his/her opinions without trying to come up with a plan on their own and taking credit for it. This individual keeps other team members informed at all times, instead of plotting new plans in the corner and lowering the other members’ morale.
- Always Ready To Help: Even if it is not their job, you can expect a great team player to give a few pointers that could help the other person out in a particular situation.
- Supports and Respects Others: Instead of shutting someone out or laughing at their ideas, an excellent team member knows how to respect their fellow team members. Most of the time respect is only received when you give it to others.
- A Problem-Solving Approach: A great team player can help solve all sorts of problems with little to no difficulty.
- Compromise Point of View: A good team player can compromise their point of view in support for the others.
“To me, teamwork is the beauty of our sport, where you have five acting as one. You become selfless.” – Coach Mike Krzyzewski
As the luck continues for some great teams dancing their way through March, try to take some time and self-reflect on your team, your role and if you are being a great team player.